By Jean McCormick - July 2023

There are several things that make wake surfing and wake boarding separate water sports. While at first glance they look similar, on closer inspection, there are key differences that are obvious.

The most obvious; a wake boarder’s feet are strapped to the board they are riding.  This offers added leverage and stability and really assists the rider when attempting aerial tricks but limits the foot position and freedom of movement a surfer enjoys with just his bare feet free to move about on the board.

Wake boarding and wake surfing also occur at different speeds and within different proximity to the tow boat.  Wake boarders often ride between 18-24 miles per hour and 65 feet or more behind the towboat. This speed and distance allow for widely spaced wakes that are shaped as ideal launch ramps.

In contrast, wake surfing typically happens at a much slower speed; 7-12 miles per hour, with the surfer very close to the boat’s swim platform where the peak of the wave is the highest.

The good news is that many of the skills required by each sport are transferable to the other.  Therefore, many riders enjoy both sports.

As with all towed water sports, a properly sized Coast Guard approved life vest is always required. There are exceptions.  But in most areas, it is the law.

The operator of the boat should designate one passenger as the spotter.  Position that person in the passenger seat facing backward, and make sure he/she has an unobstructed view of the surfer or boarder.  It is the observer’s job to keep an eye on the person being always towed, relay the rider’s signals to the driver and alert the operator immediately if the person being towed falls.

In some states, the spotter is required to hold up a flag any time the rider is down to alert nearby boaters.

Whichever sport you choose, practice it responsibility and safely.

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